Podcast Episodes
What’s Next for Haskins? New Music, Live Shows & Detroit Stories
Welcome to Mitten Music, where we bring you authentic conversations.
Haskins returns to the show for the first time in two years to talk about new music, their plans for Volume Five, and what life looks like for an indie rock band juggling families, day jobs, and late‑night rehearsals. The band shares updates on their upcoming studio sessions and how they approach recording.
How a Zombie Crawl and a Love for Music Built The Oddfellow Concert Lounge
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Join us as we dive into the vibrant music scene of Wyandotte, Michigan, through heartfelt conversations with the founders of the Odd Fellow Concert Lounge and Be Well My Friends nonprofit. Discover how this historic venue champions original music, community support, and artistic expression.
Songs in Boxes, Stories in Motion: The Journey of Lori & The Darlings
Welcome to Mitten Music, where we bring you authentic conversations.
Singer‑songwriter Lori Keisler of Lori & The Darlings shares how one unexpected song during COVID sparked the band’s creation. She talks about her lifelong songwriting, performing original music across Michigan, and the new album the band is preparing for next year. Recorded ahead of their final show of the year at the Oddfellow Concert Lounge.
Midnight Proof: From Cover Band, Groovin' Violation, to Rust Belt Americana Original Michigan Music
Welcome to Mitten Music, where we bring you authentic conversations.
In this episode, we enter the world of graphic design while we were onsite for the GIG - The Art of Michigan Music event in November 2025.
We spoke with Professor of Graphic Design at Jacks
Aspiring Graphic Designers - Degrees, Tools, A.I., & Advice
Welcome to Mitten Music, where we bring you authentic conversations.
In this episode, we enter the world of graphic design while we were onsite for the GIG - The Art of Michigan Music event in November 2025.
We spoke with Professor of Graphic Design at Jackson College, Christie Hughes, and one of her student's Jaylen Westbrook. They discuss the curriculum, tools, and the approach to the associate degree at Jackson College.
Four professional graphic designers ( Carl Lundgren, Dennis Preston, Matthew Jacobson, Jonathan Doyle) from concert posters to corporate design interject their experiences, advice, and passion for design.
Of course, what would a conversation be today without the topic of artificial intelligence (A.I.). Listen to hear their thoughts and outlook on this new tool or curse to the craft depending on how you look at it.
Graphic Art in Music, Concert Posters, and a Dabble of Magic
We had an in depth conversation with five graphic artists that are involved in creating art for music at GIG - The Art of Michigan Music event in November of 2025. Most of the conversation focuses on concert posters but dabbles in a little magic, too. From 50+ year legends in the industry to an intern just getting started, there are plenty of stories and passion to go around. Listen to hear some great stories from the days of doing grueling letter to the advancements with Adobe Photoshop.
Band Life Unfiltered: Carbon Decoy on Hangs, Venues, and What's Next
In this episode, we caught up with American garage psych, stoner, acid rock band, Carbon Decoy, from Michigan at the GIG - Art of Michigan Music event. Casey and Earl got us up to speed on what the band has been doing since we last talked to them in 2024. Earl covered how he balances being a dad a rock band. They discussed the after show "hangs" they had this past year with Glass Chimera, Levitator, Ficus, and Old Mountain Acid Test. Reminiscing about past hangs and stories from the green room at the Blind Pig when discussing Fuzz Fest in Ann Arbor. They also touched on the plans to create some new music in Casey's new home studio in the coming year.
Brandon Nagy, Isabel Dowell, Nathan Purchase, and Terry Moore on Music Photography in Michigan
We talked with four music photographers at GIG - Art of Michigan Music Event. Each of these individuals gave us a different angle on how they got started in taking photos of live music. From the photo pit to gear to their memorable moments, they walk us through the lens of what it is like to be a photographer in the Michigan music scene and beyond.
GIG Founders Are Highlighting Art, Photography, and More in Michigan Music
GIG - Art of Michigan Music Event Founders Chuck and Brenda Marshall talk to us about how the origin of the event and the importance of highlighting these artists. Their own crafts of writing and photography lead us to conversations about their other adventures in music and Michigan through their own online magazine and podcast Life in Michigan and podcast Fans with Bands. Listen to hear what great stories they have to share along with the start of our series on GIG event we attended in late 2025.
That Is A Wrap 2025: Michigan Music Recap
In this episode, Jeff and Ryan recap their year of the podcast and the Michigan music news. They talk about some of the interviews they had with musicians such as Mike Ward, Spencer LaJoye, Rebekah Jon, Kylee Phillips, Chris DuPont, and Kyle Joe. They talk about the venues that closed and opened or will open soon, such as Acrisure Amphitheater, The Big Room, and Kalamazoo State Theater. Of course, they discuss some of highlights in live music they experienced in the past year. Finally, they touch on what is in store for the podcast in 2026.
Empress Eyes: Dream Pop with Fairy Wings and Some Witchy Stuff
This episode features a relaxed interview with dream pop musician, Empress Eyes. We had the opportunity to talk to her about on the day she released new music on her latest EP, Press Reverse. We learned more about her lyric writing and why she wears those fairy wings in live performances.
She noted new music coming in January with collaboration with Arden from Ethereal. The conversation veered down an unexpected turn as she discussed how her witchy ways are influencing her recent songwriting. Take a listen to hear more about this dream pop musician from Grand Rapids, MI.
Ken Freestone and David Purnell, From Ukulele to Guitar and Everything in Between
In our episode today, we talk with good friends Ken Freestone (UKEn) and David Purnell from West Michigan.
Ken began playing ukulele at the age of 61. He has built a lot of connections, like he does with all things he is involved in, with folks across the world due to this late life skill.
Dave is a guitar teacher who provided some early lessons on the ukulele. Dave also talks about his love of audio and video which drove him to start his own company DP Creative Audio and Video.
The pair share a lot of great stories and the many experiences they are a part of in West Michigan. It is a fantastic conversation with two guys enjoying life.
Live from Sounds of the Zoo: Artist Insights
In this episode, we explore the vibrant music scene at the Sounds of the Zoo Festival, featuring interviews with two bands and one photographer, including The Blue Pines, Sophia McIntosh and the Sages, and Stacey Griffin from Dreamwave Photography. The discussions delve into the artists' backgrounds, their creative processes, and the unique experiences of performing at the festival. The episode highlights the collaborative spirit and the diverse musical influences that shape the artists' work.
Exploring the Sound of Basic Comfort
We had the opportunity to talk with Kalamazoo's alternative pop band Basic Comfort at the Sounds of the Zoo festival. The band has been playing music for over a decade. We discussed their music creation process and upcoming releases. The band shares insights into their collaborative approach and the evolution of their sound, highlighting their latest single 'Aurora' and plans for future music.
Overdrive Orchestra: Progedelic Rock
An interview with Overdrive Orchestra at Bells Eccentric Cafe in Kalamazoo! The members of Overdrive Orchestra discuss their latest album 'Restless Star', the creative process behind their music, and their influences, including a nod to Pink Floyd.
Erin Monro & Celestina y Los Sanchez
This episode consists of two interviews with women vocalists, Erin Monroe and Celestina Sanchez, that we came across while at the Sounds of the Zoo Festival in Kalamazoo.
Catch and Play Songs with Chris Simpson
In this episode, Chris Simpson, founder of Catch and Play Songs, discusses his journey from musician to music marketing expert. He shares insights on the importance of community building, artist development, and the evolving landscape of music marketing. Chris emphasizes the need for artists to engage with their audience authentically and the benefits of a dedicated fan base.
Pretoria: Indie Rock Journey From Michigan Roots to Chicago Beats
In this episode, dive into the story of Pretoria, the indie rock band that began in Michigan and is now gigging in Chicago. Discover why the band chose to relocate to Chicago and how it has impacted their music and opportunities.
PleTHorA: Comedy Rock Band Mixing Medieval Themes & Superheroes
In this episode, the comedy rock band PleTHorA shares their unique journey, blending medieval themes with modern superhero culture. They discuss their origins, the challenges of album production, and their vibrant performances at the Renaissance Festival.
Jon Hayes: Crafting Soundscapes and Stories
Jon Hayes, a talented singer-songwriter from Michigan, shares his musical journey, influences, and the evolution of his career. From his early days of learning guitar to his transition into a full-time musician, Jon discusses the challenges and triumphs he has faced along the way.